Saïdia, the Moroccan coast’s best-kept secret.
Its beaches of fine sand and clear water could ell be at home in a Caribbean island. In this spectacular corner of Morocco, where the sunsets merge the sea and the sky, time seems to stand still in the streets of the medina, and the pace of life is marked by the rolling waves. Whether with family, friends or your par tner, Saïdia is always a good choice.
The most romantic visitors have christened it the ‘Blue Pearl’; those who have succumbed to the spell of its warm, crystal-clear, turquoise waters – an idyllic setting worthy of one of those attractive summer ads. These travellers call this beautiful place the ‘Moroccan Caribbean’. And there is no shortage of reasons why. Blessed by the beauty of the Mediterranean and around 14 kilometres of golden beaches, Saïdia, which borders Algeria, has earned its crown as one of the most complete Morocco holiday destinations.
The town, located in the province of Oujda, was built by the Arabs in the 16th century. It hasn’t stopped growing since then, reaching a frenetic pace in recent years. Proof of this fact lies in its position as one of the most popular destinations in the country after Marrakech, Fez and Casablanca.
The reason for its success, apart from its incredible surroundings, is that it has one of North Africa’s most important resorts: Med-Saïdia. Beyond its idyllic beaches, this fishing village has many attractions. One of the most unmissable is the old town, which is brimming with history and made up of the narrow streets that are typical of Moroccan medinas. It’s worth getting lost in the town’s corners, enjoying some tea in one of the squares or, if it is Sunday, visiting the iconic outdoor Souk market nearby where you'll end up haggling for some of their artisan ware. Of course, you can’t forget the real architectural jewel: the Alcazaba, a 19th-century fortress built under the rule of Sultan Hassan I at the mouth of the river Uadi Kiss.
PERFUMED WITH THE SALTY BREEZE
If there is a real star in Saïdia, it is undoubtedly the sea. No one is able to resist the sandy beaches and hypnotic blue waters of this hidden Moroccan treasure. But if the overriding calm that characterises this small seaside paradise doesn’t seduce you, Saïdia is also a mecca for water sports. Riding a surfboard, going water skiing, giving diving a try or exploring the area by boat are just some of the activities offered by this coastal city. Need some directions? The port for sporting activity – where you can even rent your own boat – is called Saïdia Marina, located within the Med-Saïdia
tourist complex, just two kilometres from the town. ‘A wonderful climate, a wide range of activities and an active role in a development plan for the region. These were the reasons Meliá Hotels International chose this Moroccan maritime enclave as the site for three new hotels,’ says Sebastien Boué, General Manager of the Meliá Saïdia Beach All Inclusive Resort, the Meliá Saïdia Garden Golf Resort and the Meliá Saïdia Residences. Leaving yourself at the mercy of the waves seems like an irresistible plan, and its perfect both for a getaway with friends or for a family holiday. And if you intend to experience Saïdia with your partner, there is nothing more romantic than seeing the sunset from La Cornisa, its lively promenade. We can vouch for that.
SAÏDIA FROM HOLE TO HOLE
Never mind simply getting the ball out of the bunker, dodging all the obstacles here (including streams) is a challenge even for the experts. Either way, Saïdia is the ideal place to improve your swing, according to Sebastien Boué. This destination has one of the best golf courses in Morocco, featuring 18 holes and located just minutes from the three magnificent types of accommodation Meliá Hotels International owns in the area. Should we take a look at all of them?
THE MELIÁ SAÏDIA BEACH ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT: A FAMILY BREAK
Just 50 kilometres from the Oujda airport, this five star hotel has been welcoming guests since last March. This hotel shows that it’s possible for all-inclusive luxury to exist under one roof. As its name suggests, the Meliá Saïdia Beach All Inclusive Resort is perched on the beachfront, near the golf course and marina shopping area. While its modern design is inspired by Mediterranean villas, you can see Moroccan aesthetics in its details. Guests can choose between different spacious rooms and suites, complete with a terrace and inspiring views. The pools, which are surrounded by gardens, will quickly become the favourite space of the family ’s smallest members. There is also a gym, a spa and a broad gastronomic offering, including Mediterranean, Moroccan, and Asian cuisine, among others. It has all the hallmarks of an unforgettable family holiday.
THE MELIÁ SAÏDIA GARDEN GOLF RESORT: THE TEMPLE OF BLEISURE
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, or looking for an elegant bedroom or a suite with a terrace, this is the hotel you are searching for. Also boasting fiv stars, the Meliá Saïdia Garden Golf Resort borders one of the 18-hole golf courses that are part of the Saïdia tourist complex. The comfortable and cosy rooms will help guests fall into a deep sleep after a day of sport, work or lounging on the beach. And the weapon that will lull you to sleep is simple decoration in soft colours, large windows that allow light in and some relaxing views of the sea or gardens that surround this Mediterraneanstyle hotel. There is no better way to spend the day than
by following swings in the green with refreshing dips in the pool or on the beach, which is located just 200 metres away. After this, it’s time to recharge your batteries by trying some of the superb local dishes (or whatever you like) at any of the hotel’s restaurants. And as for the bars? You can enjoy signature cocktails accompanied by music to put the finishing touch on a wonderful stay in this Moroccan seaside town.
THE MELIÁ SAÏDIA RESIDENCES: YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
The new resort in Saïdia is fully equipped with apartments that seek to provide an intimate guest experience that is completely impossible not to fall in love with. These elegant residencies come with an all-inclusive option or, on the contrary, complete independence. The sleek design and exceptional setting, with the sea only 10 meters away, will make you not want to go home.